Iran's Nuclear Ambitions.

If I wanted to be popular, I would have chosen to be a chef or a vet.  Fortunately, ethical journalists choose not to serve up tasty morsels for an adoring public.  Neither are they  ghost whisperer's for our pet nor our pet theory.

Problematic, is that theories can be nicely plated presentations, when in fact, it might just be road kill; or if at a Chinese buffet - your neighbor's cat.

Since 1984, the United States has maintained a solid position that Iran leads the pack as a a state sponsor of terrorism.  Undoubtedly, intelligence estimations rely on data which support the findings.  But this line is political "noise":

https://fedorchak.house.gov/media/press-releases/fedorchak-statement-resolution-reaffirming-iran-worlds-leading-state-sponsor

But looking at Iran's nuclear ambitions (as a solitary issue) I think it is also important to understand that "mother's milk" as a theory base has it's flaws, and this theory has been passed along since the tumultuous days of 1979 from the policymakers who lived the experience, to what is now a third generation of policy analysts. The theory is that Iran cannot be trusted to behave responsibly with a nuclear program. 

To our detriment, we still wrap our heads around the problem of Iran as a nuclear state with the images of Grand Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini as the "Breath of God" who descended onto the tarmac to greet a sea of five million Shi'a awaiting his arrival. We remember the 444 days and honor the fifty-two hostages held in captivity for the duration of this time.   But we can forget that in many remarkable ways, the Republic of Iran has modernized regarding scientific and medical innovation and are in step with the modern world's technological advances.  They are undoubtedly at the top of their game with Newtonian mechanics, and their knowledge of quantum physics which facilitates missile launches with integrated navigational guidance and trajectory optimization systems.

Looking at my nation's own history - the Manhattan Project - what made it palatable beyond the necessary secrecy, was that it was a stable nuclear program.  It did not become unstable because we put it to use; rather - it served a necessary purpose to bring a long and costly war to an end. Our actions, welcomed needed stability.   And the Manhattan Project, with its deadly purpose, has not been put to use as a weapon of mass destruction since we first revealed its power to the greater world.  Everyone is pretty much on the same page.  This genie, must now remain in the bottle, unless used for peaceful purposes.

Here is the question.  Can Iran be trusted to run a stable nuclear program?  I believe they can, because they have shown (against all odds)  they have maintained custody of their program, research facilities, and nuclear assets without catastrophic disturbance within the global landscape.  Everybody who is sane understands that nuclear power is about deterrence.  Nobody desires a redux of what we did to Japan.

 But I also believe that we have passion for that which we take ownership of; and that if Iran is allowed ownership, they will retain the necessary passion to safeguard what has been entrusted to them.  And that passion, might be more greatly served, if we offer collaboration with Iran.  One day, Iran will be a nuclear state.  They can accomplish it alone. Or they can accomplish it with our collaboration and oversight.

Journalist's Note:

I received the galley proof for "Guests of the Ayatollah" by Mark Bowden, and wrote a book review for the Marine Corps Gazette.  It remains a favorite selection and recommended reading if you have not acquainted yourself with it.